It happened on Sunday night. I was getting off the couch after a brilliant episode of House of Cards. As I jolted upwards, I watched my white iPhone 5s soar through the air, smashing onto the hardwood floor. As if the political drama weren’t enough…

I waited a few seconds before bending down to recover my too fragile iPhone. I didn’t panic, knowing that the deed was done. And I was right… (cue the expletives), a spider-man crack smothering the glass. Today, I am preoccupied figuring out how to fix my iPhone screen that broke all too easily.

Unfortunately so, most of us have gone through this fiasco. Me being me, I would normally breakdown at the sign of a shattered screen – a World War III if you will. But luckily for us smartphone breakers, we’re living in the age of technology and have more fixing choices than ever. So before you have “phantic” attack, consider your options (just to name a few):

Certified pre-owned: When you aren’t due for an upgrade and $600 at the Apple Store is too expensive, buy.gazelle.com offers a variety of smartphones at low-cost – no contract and risk-free.

The Apple Store: The Genius Bar can replace your screen, that is if it’s not too damaged underneath the glass. This option is cheaper than an out-of-contract replacement from your carrier, but if they take off the screen and can’t replace it, you’re out of luck.

DIY: Tech-savvy users may want to take care of the damage themselves. There are varieties of online resources that provide instructions to self-replace an iPhone screen, though not recommended for the everyday consumer.

Next time you’re iPhone screen breaks, know that you’re not alone. When it happens (because it probably will), research your options before going into full-fledged phanic.

]]>https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/31/the-tale-of-a-broken-iphone-screen-is-there-hope-for-you/feed/0How to Buy the Right Gadget for Your Kidshttps://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/30/how-to-buy-the-right-gadget-for-your-kids/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-buy-the-right-gadget-for-your-kids
https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/30/how-to-buy-the-right-gadget-for-your-kids/#commentsMon, 30 Mar 2015 14:55:31 +0000https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/30/how-to-buy-the-right-gadget-for-your-kids/Buying gadgets for kids isn't the same as shopping for yourself, but depending on your child's age, there are plenty of options available.

Buying gadgets for kids isn’t the same as shopping for yourself. Most parents aren’t going to buy a new, out-of-the-box iPhone for their kids every time Apple cranks out a new model. It’s a careful balancing act between getting gadgets they’ll want and making a reasonable choice based on their age and your budget.

Age-Appropriate

If you want to start teaching your child how to be responsible with a phone from an early age, say around five or six years old, look into special kid-friendly phones. Some phones have simple preset dialing buttons that make it easy for your child to call you, and features to proteect them from stay-away Internet sites.

The type of phone you purchase for an older child depends on his or her personality, to an extent. Will your child be using the device to do homework and read books? Consider a lightweight smartphone with a large screen. Does he love spending his free time playing games? A device with faster processing speeds might be better suited for her. Is he active, clumsy, or forgetful? Try to find the least expensive option to protect your wallet when they misplace their devices on a field trip or crush them on the playground.

Online or In-Person?

Just like shoes, kids will outgrow their phones. Once your child has aged out of requiring a niche, kid-friendly phone, you can look at phones you can buy easily in stores and online. Carriers’ retail locations allow you to set up a new phone number under your contract and buy a phone all at once. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider buying your child a refurbished, pre-owned phone.

]]>https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/30/how-to-buy-the-right-gadget-for-your-kids/feed/0The Best Screen Protectors for Your Smartphonehttps://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/25/the-best-screen-protectors-for-your-smartphone/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-best-screen-protectors-for-your-smartphone
https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/25/the-best-screen-protectors-for-your-smartphone/#commentsWed, 25 Mar 2015 14:10:34 +0000https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/25/the-best-screen-protectors-for-your-smartphone/It can be confusing trying to determine which screen protectors for phones are best suited for your needs: Do you choose plastic or glass?

It’s tough choosing the right kind of screen protector for your smartphone, especially when there are so many on the market. But when you look past the branding, you’re really only left with two choices when it comes to screen protectors for phones: glass or plastic.

It Doesn’t Get Simpler Than Plastic

There are two different types of plastic screen protectors: PET film and TPU. If you’ve ever seen a thin plastic film covering a phone, it was likely a PET film cover. These types of protectors generally cost less than their glass equivalents, ranging from a few dollars to upwards of $10. This screen protector is a good choice if you have a cheaper or older phone and want the most basic protection for the lowest possible cost. While it’ll keep your screen safe from being scratched and scraped by the keys in your pocket, it won’t protect from impact damage or more severe scrapes.

TPU, on the other hand, is a great option for people who would like affordable smudge- and scratch-resistance and light impact protection at a price point of around $20. The screen protector is made up of elastic material that not only absorbs some of the impact when it is dropped, but can actually “heal” minor dents because of its elastic nature; not only does it protect your screen from scrapes and cuts, it even protects itself.

This protector is a great option for people who are looking to spend a little more on screen protectors for phones and who would also like some impact-protection, as devices are notorious for slipping out of hands.

When It Comes to Protection, Glass Is King

“A glass protector is superior to its alternatives in every way,” says Phone Arena—and they’re absolutely right. If you want the highest quality protection in your corner, then look no further than multi-layered, shock-absorbing tempered glass.

The biggest con of tempered glass is that it is the most expensive option. The pros? It reduces fingerprints and provides better glare-reduction and scratch-resistance compared to plastics. In the event of a devastating drop, the tempered glass protector will shatter, leaving the actual screen of the phone intact.

This is an ideal option for phones that you want to keep in mint condition or are thinking about selling in the future. While tempered glass will give you the best protection for your phone, many used phone owners may find this option to be too expensive, especially since shopping used is typically cheaper than buying new.

What kind of screen protector would you choose for your mobile device? Share your thoughts with us.

The newest iDevice, the Apple Watch, will be released April 24, Tech Radar reports. The new wearable offers the clock, phone and text messaging functionalities that everyone knew would be included, but it also comes with a few unexpected features. Here’s a quick rundown of the top five:

1. Ping Your iPhone

Apple’s Find My iPhone app can help you narrow down where in the world your device has wound up using its built-in GPS. Once you’re close enough, actually finding your phone becomes more a game of chance and less of an exact science. BGR reports that Apple’s new watch will incorporate a new feature to make that process easier: Ping My iPhone. Using the watch, users can make their lost phone beep, offering an auditory location clue.

2. Toss Out Your Keys

As noted by Tom’s Guide, one innovative feature of the new smartwatch is keyless access. By downloading Starwood Hotel’s Preferred Guest app, you can open your hotel room door with just a tap of the watch’s face. Apple CEO Tim Cook told The Telegraph that it may be possible for the watch to replace car keys and “the clumsy, large fobs that are now used by many vehicles.”

3. Fully Native Apps

It stands to reason that most Apple Watch apps will be extensions of native iPhone or iPad applications, but Cook announced that it will be possible for developers to create standalone apps for the watch “later in the year,” according to Tom’s Guide. These apps may allow the device to be used solo instead of only while synced with another device. This opens the opportunity for a truly “killer app” for the watch, one that sets it apart from Android devices using stripped-down versions of full apps.

4. Digital Touch

The new Apple Watch allows you to connect in a new and unique way: You can draw shapes on the watch face and send them to a friend, or use the heart rate sensor to detect your pulse and send it as a vibration pattern to a friend’s device. What’s more, you can use the Tap function to send vibrations of your choice to other watch users.

5. Deeper Customization

Apple has never been very open to customization, frowning upon jailbreaking devices and limiting the apps accepted into the App Store. But they’re taking a different direction with their new watch, offering two face sizes — 38 mm and 42 mm — along with three “styles,” each one of which falls at a different price point.

]]>https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/23/the-apple-watch-five-surprising-features/feed/0Three Qualifications for Used Phones to Consider Before You Buyhttps://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/23/three-qualifications-for-used-phones-to-consider-before-you-buy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=three-qualifications-for-used-phones-to-consider-before-you-buy
https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/23/three-qualifications-for-used-phones-to-consider-before-you-buy/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 14:10:44 +0000https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/23/three-qualifications-for-used-phones-to-consider-before-you-buy/When you're scouting the market, what are the core qualifications for used phones that you look for?

A refurbished phone is a pre-owned device that has been repaired, tested and certified to look and work like new. Almost all the major phone companies offer both new and refurbished phones. According to PhoneDog, refurbished phones are a great alternative to today’s costly new phones.

What are the qualifications for used phones you should look out for prior to purchasing? Here are three of the most critical things to consider:

ProtectionPlan

A number of refurbished phones now come with a protection plan similar to what you might get when purchasing a new phone. These protection plans, depending on what level of insurance you choose, covering anything from software and hardware issues to incidental damage.

Apple, for example, includes a protection plan for each of its refurbished products. Their AppleCare protection plan, or AppleCare+, can be purchased for refurbished devices, affording buyers the same level of service and support from Apple experts as they would receive with a new purchase.

Certified RefurbishedDevices

Pre-owned devices must undergo a stringent refurbishment process to be considered certified and shelf-ready. During this process, they are tested to check for hardware and operating system functionality issues. During this process, workers will upgrade the device to the latest firmware and clear out any preexisting data. Any faulty or missing parts are swapped for industry-standard replacements and repackaged before being released for resale.

Authentic, certified pre-owned products must meet certain minimum quality standards. They should be clearly labeled as refurbished and have a stamp of approval that they have been tested and meet the industry standards.

WarrantyRequirements

When purchasing a used phone, it is imperative that you make sure that it comes with a warranty. Depending on the point of purchase, a warranty can range from 30 days to one year. A warranty acts as assurance that the phone will be replaced or repaired if it experiences any problems within the set period.

What other qualifications for used phones have you found essential when considering used or refurbished devices?

Today, we’re announcing that Apple Watch gawkers will soon be able to trade-in and purchase certified pre-owned Apple Watches through Gazelle. Enthusiasts can sign up here to learn about these updates.

As Tim Cook wrapped up his September 2014 Apple event, he uttered the famous words, “One more thing.” That’s when we first officially learned about the Apple Watch. This is Cook’s first product launch since taking over as Apple’s CEO in August 2011, and it has received the same high level of buzz and interest that we’ve come to expect from Apple. Gazelle has kept our eyes on this gadget and we knew back in September that it would be a must-have device. It’s no surprise, the Apple Watch is a beautifully designed product, falling right in line with iPhones and iPads.

Apple’s history has shown there is an insatiable demand for its products, due to their unparalleled design and overall ease-of-use. The wild popularity of Apple products has helped Gazelle become the leading gadget trade-in site. So we looked back into our own data archives to explore how the first generation iPad maintained its value over time.

Gazelle’s history with first generation iPad 16GB WiFi:

Period

Value

Date

Percentage Value Retained

Entry Price

$499

3-Apr-10

-

Trade In Value After One Year

$218

3-Apr-11

44%

Trade In Value After Two Years

$151

3-Apr-12

30%

As the numbers suggest, the first generation iPad held its value remarkably well over the years, even after Apple announced subsequent versions. We expect a similarly strong market demand for second-hand Apple Watches. Bring on the trades and the sales.

]]>https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/19/apple-watch-enthusiasts-rejoice/feed/0Three Considerations When Buying Used Cell Phones for Kidshttps://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/17/three-considerations-when-buying-used-cell-phones-for-kids/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=three-considerations-when-buying-used-cell-phones-for-kids
https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/17/three-considerations-when-buying-used-cell-phones-for-kids/#commentsTue, 17 Mar 2015 14:00:48 +0000https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/17/three-considerations-when-buying-used-cell-phones-for-kids/Buying used or pre-owned cell phones for kids offers many benefits while also avoiding the risks inherent in springing for a new phone.

Is your child ready for his or her first cell phone? Buying cell phones for kids is no longer a difficult or expensive decision. It is important to know what you need, where to buy, and mostly importantly, the price.

For parents looking to purchase cell phones for kids, refurbished or used phones are an attractive option – and for many reasons. When is it best for a parent buy a pre-owned phone for their child? Here are four points to consider:

1. Your Budget Is Low

Refurbished phones will always be cheaper compared to their new counterparts. This makes used phones a great option when you’re looking to spend less on a device for your child.

Carriers offer phones for a reduced cost, or even for free, that may be less than a used or refurbished phone. Althought, the subsidized price of the phone is spread out over the life of the contract, meaning you will likely pay more in the long run for the phone than it would cost to buy an unlocked phone from a reputable reseller.

2. You Want to AvoidContractRestrictions

Pre-owned devices are not only appealing because of their discounted pricing, but also due to a lack of contract restrictions. If you are unsure of whether you want to stay with your current carrier, or if you’re signing up for service from a new carrier and want to have flexibility to leave on your own terms, an unlocked device may be your best investment.

Without carrier-specific restrictions, you can negotiate with a variety of carriers and choose the best combination of data and calling rates. Children and young adults will usually be heavy data users, so you’ll want an affordable, flexible data package to accompany any cell phones for kids.

3. You Want a Child-Friendly Option

Kids are always misplacing things, so it should be no surprise when they lose their phones. Rather than spend hundreds of dollars on a new, high-end smartphone each time this happens, settle for a more cost-efficient, pre-owned phone. Refurbished phones can be purchased and replaced without breaking the bank.

Have you bought a used phone for your child? What features did you look for? Share your comments with us.

]]>https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/17/three-considerations-when-buying-used-cell-phones-for-kids/feed/0Five Tips to Maximize Smartphone Life and Retain Valuehttps://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/16/five-tips-to-maximize-smartphone-life-and-retain-value/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=five-tips-to-maximize-smartphone-life-and-retain-value
https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/16/five-tips-to-maximize-smartphone-life-and-retain-value/#commentsMon, 16 Mar 2015 13:55:26 +0000https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/16/five-tips-to-maximize-smartphone-life-and-retain-value/Is your smartphone getting a little rough around the edges? Here are some tips to help you maximize smartphone life and retain value.

In today’s market, smartphone users can trade-in and upgrade their gadgets without losing money. You might be thinking it’s time to trade-in for newer version or a different model, but if your phone is seriously worn or damaged, you’ll never get top dollar. Here are five essential tips that will help you to maximize smartphone life and preserve its value.

1. Curate Content

To maximize smartphone longevity, be critical about the content you keep on your phone. Not all apps are useful; some hog battery power, some are nearly impossible to remove and some even come packaged with malware. Your best bet is to stick to approved app stores, and if you’re thinking about selling in the near future, don’t clog up your phone with bloatware or spyware.

2. Just in Case

Scratches and dents can reduce the value of your smartphone. If you don’t have a good case, it’s time to invest. There are a host of companies that make both custom and generic cases for all types of smartphones. A rubber case can limit damage from falls, prevent scuffs and scrapes, and—most importantly—help you avoid the dreaded cracked screen. Once your screen breaks, your hopes of high trade-in value shatter with it.

3. Carry Well

Along with a great case, it’s important to carry your smartphone in a way that limits potential damage. This means carrying it in a roomy pocket rather than one crammed with credit cards, keys or coins. You should also never put your phone in your back pocket. Whether it’s bending, breaking or general wear and tear, there’s no faster way to decrease your smartphone’s longevity than by sitting on the device daily. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean the screen with a soft cloth and make sure the buttons aren’t obstructed by dirt or debris. Keep your phone clean and you’ll get a better return.

4. Start With the Battery

Want to get the best value for your trade-in or just make sure that your phone doesn’t die before you’ve gotten your money’s worth? Simply put, take good care of your battery by not leaving your phone out in extreme temperatures and staying far away from water.

There are a few other ways to maximize your battery life. First, try not to run your phone from full to empty on a regular basis. While this won’t cause immediate damage, it will shorten the total life-span of your battery. Leaving your phone plugged in once it’s fully charged has a similar effect: Over time, the battery simply becomes less efficient.

5. Don’t Jailbreak

As a final tip: No matter how tempting it may be to do so, don’t jailbreak or root the operating system. Jailbreaking comes with the risk of requiring a total operating system reinstall; at worst, you’re left with a very expensive paperweight. Jailbroken phones are almost always used to access third-party apps not approved by the device manufacturer—apps that can fundamentally impact the way your phone works. Jailbreaking sentences your device to a shorter overall lifespan.

]]>https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/16/five-tips-to-maximize-smartphone-life-and-retain-value/feed/0How to Compare Used Phones: Four Simple Stepshttps://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/12/how-to-compare-used-phones-four-simple-steps/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-compare-used-phones-four-simple-steps
https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/12/how-to-compare-used-phones-four-simple-steps/#commentsThu, 12 Mar 2015 13:55:33 +0000https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/12/how-to-compare-used-phones-four-simple-steps/So you're in the market for a used phone. But if you're looking to compare used phones, what should your criteria be?

Popular phone manufacturers like Apple, Google and Samsung are constantly releasing new models and upgrades to existing product lines, making it difficult to know which phone is right for you. Here are four simple steps to help you easily compare used phones.

1. Narrow Down Manufacturers

When comparing used phones, it’s important to start with the basics. What kind of smartphone do you want? If you’re a diehard Apple fan or Samsung champion, chances are you’ll prefer to stick with an operating system (OS) and manufacturer you know you like. If you’re not sure, however, then you should start with a broad comparison of what each manufacturer has to offer. Here’s a quick breakdown of each:

Apple

Runs on iOS

Easy-to-use with a slick, simple interface

Large app store with lots of choices and good security

Often the highest cost of any phone

Google

Uses the open-source Android OS

Lets you customize home screen and device function virtually any way you want, with less standardization across models

Often lower-priced than competitors

Samsung

Uses a modified version of Android to deliver a curated mobile experience

High consumer scores for quality and features, but often with a higher price tag

Windows

Runs on Windows Mobile OS

Modern features and solid functionality that doesn’t really stand out in the crowd

Great if you’re a Windows PC fan or want more business-focused tools

2. Consider Important Features

Once you’ve determined your preferred manufacturer, it’s time to consider the features you need in a used device. Start by searching on a high-quality resale site that offers a wide selection. Narrow your wish list down to a few key features you need in your new phone, such as a high-megapixel camera, 4G capability, the ability to upgrade storage or attach peripherals, battery life or display size. This will help you to narrow your search to just a few phones that meet your specifications, letting you decide based on price and preferred features.

3. Find Your Model

Once you’ve narrowed down your preferred manufacturer and device features, you’ll typically end up with a handful of choices that only vary slightly. Often, you’ll see two differences: model number and storage size. For example, you may be in the market for an iPhone. One option in the Apple market is to go for an iPhone 6, but the iPhone 5 has many similar features for a much lower price. You’ll also find significant differences in phone pricing based on storage: Models with 32 GB or greater cost much more and may be unnecessary if you use few apps and don’t use the phone as your primary camera.

4. Get Your Price

Finally, it’s time to price out your device. Look for a pre-owned site that has a large selection, clear explanation of its refurbishing policies and a guarantee in case of any defects. Great sites will let you choose a phone based on carrier, condition and storage size to determine a final price.

]]>https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/12/how-to-compare-used-phones-four-simple-steps/feed/0Choosing a Used Cell Phone: Find Your Best Fithttps://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/11/choosing-a-used-cell-phone-find-your-best-fit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=choosing-a-used-cell-phone-find-your-best-fit
https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/11/choosing-a-used-cell-phone-find-your-best-fit/#commentsWed, 11 Mar 2015 13:20:49 +0000https://www.gazelle.com/thehorn/2015/03/11/choosing-a-used-cell-phone-find-your-best-fit/Choosing used cell phones over expensive new phones can save you money. Before you buy, you'll need to know what to look for in a used phone.

New phones are expensive. Buying a top-of-the-line device with no contract can easily run you $500 to $800, while purchasing a new phone with a contract subsidy means you’re tied to a single provider for years. Because buyers often end up paying far more than the total cost of a brand-new phone over time, many are now considering used phones. Opting for a pre-owned device can land you a high-quality phone for a fraction of the retail price. But when it comes to choosing a used cell phone, there are a few basic rules to follow. Here are the top five:

1. Do Your Research

To avoid getting scammed by one-off sellers or those trying to make a quick buck, always do your research before buying a used cell phone. This means comparison shopping and considering different purchase avenues based on price and customer satisfaction ratings. For example, some buyers opt for social media meet-ups because they feel more comfortable meeting sellers face-to-face. The problem with this approach is a lack of inventory and no way to be sure the price you’re getting is fair and reasonable. Some resale websites offer great deals on “used” phones without being clear as to what exactly that term means. Look for a site that includes detailed descriptions of phone conditions and a risk-free return process.

2. Don’t Buy More Than You Need

Why are you in the market for a used cell phone? Do you just need it to check email and send texts, or do you use it for watching videos, posting to social media, or conducting business? It’s a good idea to define what you need before choosing used cell phones so that you don’t overspend on something that has features you’ll never use. You can get great deals on last year’s smartphone models if you can live without the shiny bells and whistles that come with current-year standards. Go in equipped with knowledge so you don’t overspend.

3. Be Critical

It’s also important to be critical about what you’re getting and how it stacks up, even after you’ve made a purchase. Take the time to completely examine your new phone. Are there any cracks in the screen or damage to the casing? Does the phone seem sluggish or unresponsive? Is the touchscreen accurate? If you encounter any new or undocumented issues, it might be time to ask for your money back or look for a better deal. Buying used doesn’t mean you’re buying damaged.

4. Choose Your OS

The operating system (OS) design controls a phone’s user experience. If you’re looking for a simple, streamlined, and secure OS, go with Apple. iOS is designed for ease-of-use and takes care of higher phone functions in the background. If you’re looking for flexibility, choose Android, which offers a more complex, open-source OS that lets you customize your experience and tweak virtually any setting you like. If you’re looking for a business phone, Blackberry and Windows phones offer a host of features aimed at corporate customers.

5. Look for Protection

One final tip: When you’re choosing a used cell phone, always looks for a site that offers a money-back guarantee if your new device doesn’t match the description. High-quality pre-owned vendors aren’t afraid to stadnd behind their products because they’re properly refurbished and don’t come with hidden problems. While “as-is” may net you a slightly lower price, a phone that bricks as soon as you take it out of the package is no bargain.

Want the best deal on used cell phones? Do your research, buy what you need, be critical of what you get, choose your OS wisely, and look for phone protection.